Business News
Xerox Employee Granted Nine-Month Sabbatical to Help Portland Habitat for Humanity
Friday 15. February 2008 - Ken Knepper honed his marketing skills at Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) but through October he'll be on sabbatical, applying those skills to help Portland Habitat for Humanity in Oregon.
The Xerox Foundation granted Knepper’s leave under the company’s Social Service Leave program, believed to be the oldest of its kind in American business. He is one of six Xerox employees nationwide selected for the 2008 program. During his leave of absence, he’ll receive his full salary and benefits from Xerox.
A product marketing manager for Xerox, Knepper understands that while he is fortunate to provide for his family, many hard working people can’t meet their basic needs. So with the aid of Xerox, Knepper decided to take a nine-month break to work full time with Portland Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of the well-known non-profit that builds affordable housing in partnership with people in need.
Knepper first began working on Habitat building sites in Salem, Ore., six years ago. Working more recently with his local Portland affiliate, he realized that the office needed some professional help on long-term projects. So he is putting down the hammer and using his Xerox experience to help Portland Habitat for Humanity create new marketing and presentation materials. He will develop a state-of-the-art in-kind donation program, serve as a marketing consultant, and conduct research and analysis of the base of donors and volunteers.
“Most people think of swinging a hammer to help Habitat, but there’s a bunch of important activity that goes on behind the scenes to make these houses a home,” said Knepper. “Everyone should take some time to find those organizations that need some not-so-obvious skills to improve their community services.”
“Ken’s expertise will help foster important relationships in the community,” said Steve Messinetti, executive director of Portland Habitat for Humanity. “He’ll be focusing on two areas – increasing in-kind contributions and extending our marketing reach. ”
Knepper is a native of Oregon and has two grown children. He lives with his wife in Tualatin, Ore.
Xerox, based in Norwalk, Conn., began its Social Service Leave program in 1971 to promote employee involvement and provide volunteer assistance in communities where Xerox does business. Since then, 481 leaves have been granted. Employees who have been with the company at least five years are eligible to apply for paid leaves of up to one year.